Saddle-skirt protector



No. 609,!l8. Patented Aug. I6, I898.

C. E. NYE;

SADDLE SKIRT PROTECTOR.

(Application filed Aug. 2, 1897.)

(No Model.)

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| WASHINGTON. n, c.

CHARLES E. NYE, OF WALLA WALLA, WVASIIINGTON.

SADDLE-SKIRT PROTECTOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 609,118, dated August16, 1898.

Application filed August 2, 1897.

, tain new and useful Improvements in Shields for Saddle-Skirts and I dohereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof the invention,such as will enable others skilled in the art to whichit appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to the marks of reference thereon, which formapart of this specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements insaddle-skirts; and the invention consists in providing a saddle-skirtwith resilient metallic shields which are attached adjacent to the loweredges of the saddle-skirt, so as to be engaged by the girth orgirth-riggin g.

This invention also consists in providing a saddle-skirt with resilientmetallic plates of special construction, as will be hereinafter setforth and specifically claimed.

This invention is designed especially for use with that class ofriding-saddles usually designated as cowboy or Mexican saddles, saidsaddles not only having the usual skirts, shields,and flaps, but also aninner skirt, which consists of a thickness of heavy leather, to theinner side of which is attached a felt or fabric lining.

In use the saddle is provided with straps attached to a ring, throughwhich is passed a strap or thong forconnecting to the aforesaid ring thegirth. Such girth-rigging engaging with the saddle-skirt bends the sameinward, so as to form a permanent depression, which will chafe andinjure the animal. To obviate the forming of a permanent depression inthe saddle-skirt, and at the same time permit of the producing thereinthe temporary shallow cavity for thegirth-straps which will hold thegirth-strap and girth against lateral displacement, I attach adjacent tothe lower edge of the saddle-skirt a resilient metallic shield,

which is positioned so as to be engaged by the Serial No. 646,834. (Nomodel.)

girth-strap or the girth, so that when the pressure is relieved theplate and the saddleskirt will be restored to their original form;

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation showing myimprovement as it appears in practical use. Fig. 2 is a side View of theplate detached from the saddleskirt, and Fig. 3 is a vertical section ofthe plate.

A refers to the saddle-skirt, to which is attached by means of rivets aplate or shield B, preferably made from spring-steel, thesecuring-rivets passing through apertures therein and being upsetdirectly thereon. The edges of this shield or plate B are beveled, asshown at Z), so as to avoid any angular or sharp edges which might chafethe girth-rigging. The girth or girth-rigging engages with a ring whichis connected to the saddle in the usual manner, and when a doublegirth-rigging is used two plates or shields will be attached to eachside of the saddle-skirt. The shield is resilient, so that it may bebent inward by pressure. When the pressure is relieved, it will resumeits normal shape. The plate not only holds the saddle-skirt in propershape, but also prevents wear.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. As an improved article of manufacture a saddle-skirt, having rigidlysecured thereto adjacent to its lower edges a resilient metallic shield,positioned so as to be engagedby the girth or girth-rigging, for thepurpose set forth.

2. A saddle-skirt having rigidly attached thereto midway between theends and adjacent to its lower edges,resilient metallic plates B,th eedges of which are beveled, said plate being perforated for the passageof rivets therethrough to provide the means for intimately connectingthe shield to the saddle-skirt,substantially as shown.

CHARLES E. NYE.

Witnesses:

J. G. THOMAS, W. II. OARNEs.

